To Kill A Mockingbird Book Review by Harper Lee

To Kill A Mockingbird Review Written by Harper Lee

If you have never been in Alabama, the book ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee, will make you feel like you’ve been in the thirties. It’s one of the books that has sustained impact on American culture, one of the most widely read, and perhaps one of the most beloved books of all time.

Lee, the author of this book, hooks her readers with a deceptively simple story, yet compelling of a family in a southern town, who is in the middle of a moral and ethical crisis. The book is filled with atmospheric evocations of how the life was in the 1930s, and a searing portrayal of racism and prejudice told through the eyes of a little kid. It shows us through kids, how understanding and knowledge can triumph over the old and the evil mindsets, that no matter how hard overcoming prejudice might seem that it must be overcome, it must be fought.

Plot Summary

Scout lives with his father, a lawyer and a widower named Atticus, and a brother named Jem. They live in a southern town and at the start of the book, both Scout and Jem are portrayed as innocent youngsters who plays with friends, attend the school like other kids, and attempts to communicate, with a neighbor named Boo Radley, who only very few people have seen. Scout and her peer have a lot of fun telling about him. The mystery of Bob is one of the many reasons to keep turning the pages to find out what happens in the end.

In the nutshell, Scout and her brother have fun, while their father is very busy with trials. Atticus firmly believes in the innate goodness of human beings that pushes him to defend a black man, Tom Robinson, who is accused of raping a white woman. The trial of this man takes place during the time of segregation when the black people would not be allowed to socialize with white people. In such an Era, if a white man said that a black man has committed a crime, the black was presumed guilty, although he would have a trial everyone knew that he will eventually be convicted.

Atticus however, tries all he can to persuade the jury that it’s wrong and against humanity to convict someone who is innocent. His words are heartfelt as he demonstrates how Tom, could not have possibly assaulted the victim. He even reveals the identity of a real villain. This enrages a very dangerous enemy that puts him in danger and even his family. At one time, Scout and Jem are abused by other children because of their father decision.

Despite his effort to convince the jury and the corresponding evidence that shows that Tom is innocent, he is still convinced and later died, tried to escape prison. We find Boo Radley, the neighbor, doing all he can to help Scout and Jem.

Through this experience, Scout realizes how important it is to see people to who they are, and not be blinded by other people perceptive. With this realization, she can now be able to embrace her father often advise, to practice sympathy and understanding and not to be blinded by fears and prejudice.

Lee has written a book that indeed pulses with life, with great compassion and a natural good humor. The book is evocative, tender, with the message that drives the action inside. Hope and sorrow, all combines brings a lively setting on the book. The dialogue is readable and very real; you can literally love as Scout makes up her minds. You would be intrigued by Atticus heroism in Austin, and you would want him to be a real man into today’s world. You will fall in love with the inner beauty and innocence found in Jem and Scout.

Conclusion

Even though the story was created many years ago, you can get the idea that what happened can also happen today in places where people fear each other social differences. To Kill a Mockingbird is a modern story of how heavy issues like racism, oppression and injustices should be met, how these issues should be fought and overcome without fear. This book is a tale of childhood, but it shows how our world should be and how we should all change it.